Andy LaRoche

Last updated

Andy LaRoche
IMG 7010 Andy LaRoche.jpg
LaRoche with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010
Third baseman
Born: (1983-09-13) September 13, 1983 (age 40)
Fort Scott, Kansas, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
May 6, 2007, for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Last MLB appearance
June 9, 2013, for the Toronto Blue Jays
Men's baseball
Representing Flag of the United States.svg United States
Baseball World Cup
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2007 Tianmu National team

Andrew Christian LaRoche (born September 13, 1983) is an American former professional baseball third baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Oakland Athletics, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Contents

LaRoche is the son of Dave LaRoche, a former Major League Baseball pitcher for the California Angels, and brother of former first baseman and designated hitter Adam LaRoche. Andy and Adam played together on the Pirates in 2008 and 2009.

College and draft

LaRoche played shortstop for Grayson County College. He also played for the Keene Swamp Bats of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. In 2003, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League and was named a league all-star. [1] [2] [3] He had been originally a catcher but switched positions due to an injury. He was originally drafted in the 21st round by the San Diego Padres in 2002, but he turned down an offer estimated at $200,000 and remained in school for another year. He re-entered the draft the following year, and, despite having broken a bone in his left leg in a collision at first base, his stock soared and scouts projected him as a first rounder. However, teams were concerned about their ability to sign him, as he had turned down the Padres' offer and was planning on transferring to Rice University.

Nevertheless, he was drafted in the 39th round of the 2003 Major League Baseball draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, but still got supplemental money when the Dodgers signed him in August 2003. At the time, his bonus was the highest for a "non draft and follow" outside the first three rounds. [4]

Playing career

Los Angeles Dodgers

Concern about his range caused the Dodgers to move him from shortstop to third base prior to sending him to their rookie league team, the Ogden Raptors, for the last few games of the 2003 season. [4]

He started the 2004 season with the Dodgers Single-A team in Columbus, hitting .283 with 13 home runs and 42 RBI before being promoted to the higher Single-A team in Vero Beach where he struggled a bit, hitting only .237 with 10 HRs and 34 RBI.

In 2005, at Vero Beach, he hit .333 with 21 HRs and 51 RBI and received a call-up to the Double-A Jacksonville Suns. At Jacksonville, he hit .273 with 9 HRs and 43 RBI. He was voted the Dodgers Minor League Player of the Year. [5]

For the 2006 minor league season, he started at Jacksonville and hit .309 with 9 HRs and 46 RBI. He would be called up to the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s, where he hit .322 with 10 HRs and 35 RBI.

LaRoche during his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2007 spring training. Andy LaRoche.jpg
LaRoche during his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2007 spring training.

During LaRoche's second big league spring training in 2007, he noted that his last name should be spelled "La Roche" with a defined space. However, as reported by Steve Henson of the Los Angeles Times, he decided to revert to the previous spelling by the end of camp.[ citation needed ]

LaRoche made his major league debut on May 6, 2007, against the Atlanta Braves. He recorded his first major league hit, a ground rule double, against Kyle Davies. The following day, May 7, LaRoche recorded his first two RBI against the Florida Marlins. After being demoted to Triple-A Las Vegas, LaRoche was recalled on September 1. LaRoche received more playing time in September due to Nomar Garciaparra's injury problems. On September 20, LaRoche hit his first major league home run off Colorado Rockies pitcher Matt Herges. [6]

LaRoche played for Team USA in the 2007 Baseball World Cup during the MLB off-season.

On March 7, 2008, while playing a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals, LaRoche tore the ulnar collateral ligament in the base of his right thumb. In a freak accident, LaRoche was attempting to catch a pickoff throw from catcher Danny Ardoin. The throw deflected off Cardinals base runner D'Angelo Jiménez and struck LaRoche on his throwing hand. LaRoche was injured in the fifth inning, having taken over third base duties for Nomar Garciaparra, who was injured an inning earlier when he was struck on the wrist with a pitch. At the time, LaRoche and Garciaparra were in competition for the starting third base job. Neither player could begin the season, and minor league rookie Blake DeWitt assumed third base duties on opening day. [7]

On May 3, after completing a ten-game rehab assignment with the Double-A Jacksonville Suns and the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s, LaRoche was reinstated from the disabled list and optioned to the 51s. This move was seen[ by whom? ] as Dodgers management endorsing Blake DeWitt, who had played well enough to keep his starting role while LaRoche was on the disabled list.

LaRoche was recalled from Las Vegas on June 10 and made his 2008 debut the next day at first base. He hit a home run against Padres starter Randy Wolf in the fourth inning.

Pittsburgh Pirates

On July 31, 2008, LaRoche, along with pitcher Bryan Morris, was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in part of a three-team deal that sent Manny Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Jason Bay to the Boston Red Sox. LaRoche joined his brother Adam in Pittsburgh. [8] After hitting .144 while with the Pirates in 2008, LaRoche was given an "intensive offseason workout regimen" throughout the offseason. [9] [10]

His reunion with brother Adam ended on July 22, 2009, when the Pirates traded Adam to the Boston Red Sox for minor-league pitcher Hunter Strickland and shortstop Argenis Díaz. [11] Nine days later, the Red Sox traded Adam to the Atlanta Braves for Casey Kotchman. [12]

On November 20, 2010, Andy was designated for assignment by the Pirates and made a free agent.

Oakland Athletics

On January 24, 2011, LaRoche signed a minor-league deal with the Oakland Athletics with an invite to major league camp. He made the Opening Day roster, appearing in 40 games before being designated for assignment on June 5. [13] He was assigned to the Athletics' Triple-A affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats. On August 18, 2011, in a tied extra-inning game against the Omaha Storm Chasers, he pitched the 13th inning, and was awarded the win.[ citation needed ] After the 2011 season, he elected for free agency. [14]

Cleveland Indians

On December 21, 2011, LaRoche signed a minor-league contract with the Cleveland Indians. He also received an invitation to spring training. [15] LaRoche was released by the Indians organization on June 26, 2012.

Boston Red Sox

On June 28, 2012, LaRoche signed a minor-league contract with the Boston Red Sox. He played with the Pawtucket Red Sox for the rest of the season, appearing in 50 games. [16] At the end of the season, he became an unrestricted free agent.

Toronto Blue Jays

On January 30, 2013, LaRoche signed a minor-league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays with an invite to spring training. [17] LaRoche started the season with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, and was called up on June 7 as a potential fill-in at third base for the injured Brett Lawrie and recently demoted Anthony Gose. [18] [19] LaRoche was designated for assignment following a 10-6 loss to the Chicago White Sox, having played just one game for the Blue Jays and going 0-4 at the plate. After clearing waivers, LaRoche was assigned outright to Buffalo on June 13. He became a free agent on October 1. He signed a minor league contract with the Blue Jays for the 2014 season.

Chicago White Sox

On January 23, 2015, LaRoche signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago White Sox. [20] He was released on April 1.

Wichita Wingnuts

Following his release, LaRoche signed with the Wichita Wingnuts of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball and finished the 2015 season with them.

Sugar Land Skeeters

On February 26, 2016, LaRoche was traded to the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He became a free agent after the 2016 season.

Coaching career

LaRoche was named hitting coach for the Burlington Royals for the 2019 season.

Awards and honors

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nomar Garciaparra</span> American baseball player (born 1973)

Anthony Nomar Garciaparra is an American former Major League Baseball player and current SportsNet LA analyst. After playing parts of nine seasons as an All-Star shortstop for the Boston Red Sox, he played shortstop, third base and first base for the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Oakland Athletics. Garciaparra is one of 13 players in Major League history to hit two grand slams during a single game, and the only player to achieve the feat at his home stadium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Bellhorn</span> American baseball player (born 1974)

Mark Christian Bellhorn is an American former professional baseball infielder. In his ten-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career, Bellhorn was best known for being the starting second baseman for the Boston Red Sox during their 2004 World Series championship season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dioner Navarro</span> Venezuelan baseball player (born 1984)

Dioner Favian Navarro Vivas is a Venezuelan former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. With the Rays, Navarro was an All-Star in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Bay</span> Canadian-American baseball player

Jason Raymond Bay is a Canadian-American former professional baseball left fielder. Bay played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and Seattle Mariners.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jay Payton</span> American baseball player (born 1972)

Jason Lee "Jay" Payton is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder who played for the New York Mets (1998-2002), Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres (2004), Boston Red Sox (2005), Oakland Athletics (2005-2006) and Baltimore Orioles (2007-2008). He batted and threw right-handed. Payton was an opposite-field hitter with some power. He had great speed as a runner, but did not steal many bases. Defensively, he was a solid outfielder with an above-average arm, and his quickness getting rid of the ball helped him hold baserunners on the base paths. He is currently serving as an in game analyst with ESPNU for college baseball.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Valentin</span> American baseball player

John William Valentin is a former shortstop and third baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the Boston Red Sox from 1992 to 2001, and spent a final season with the New York Mets in 2002. He later became a coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Woodward</span> American baseball player and coach (born 1976)

Christopher Michael Woodward is an American former professional baseball utility player, coach and manager. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, and Boston Red Sox, from 1999 through 2012. He then served as a coach for the Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers, from 2014 through 2018 and managed the Texas Rangers from 2019 to 2022. He is currently a special assistant and roving instructor for the Dodgers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam LaRoche</span> American baseball player (born 1979)

David Adam LaRoche is an American former professional baseball first baseman who played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for the Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Washington Nationals and Chicago White Sox. He is the son of pitcher Dave LaRoche and the brother of third baseman Andy LaRoche.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delwyn Young</span> American baseball player (born 1982)

Delwyn Rudy Young is an American former professional baseball utility player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates. He is currently the manager of the State College Spikes of the MLB Draft League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Loney</span> American baseball player (born 1984)

James Anthony Loney is an American former professional baseball first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and New York Mets, and in the KBO League for the LG Twins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Wilson (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1981)

Joshua Aaron Wilson is an American former professional baseball infielder. Wilson is a Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania native. He was part of the 1998 Pennsylvania state championship baseball team and Pennsylvania Player of the Year. Wilson played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Florida Marlins, Washington Nationals, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Héctor Giménez (baseball)</span> Venezuelan baseball player (born 1982)

Héctor Eliner Carasco Giménez [Ec-tor he-MEH-nes] is a Venezuelan former professional baseball catcher. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Pearce (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1983)

Steven Wayne Pearce is an American former professional baseball left fielder and first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox. Pearce is only the second player in MLB history to have played for every team in the American League East, the first being Kelly Johnson. He is also the first and only player to have hit two walk-off grand slams in the span of a single week.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Argenis Díaz</span> Venezuelan baseball player (born 1987)

Argenis Díaz is a Venezuelan former professional baseball shortstop. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010.

The following are the baseball events of the year 2009 throughout the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">José Lobatón</span> Venezuelan baseball player

José Manuel Lobatón is a Venezuelan professional baseball catcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB)for the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, Washington Nationals, New York Mets and Chicago Cubs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Reddick</span> American baseball player (born 1987)

William Joshua Reddick is an American former professional baseball outfielder. The Boston Red Sox selected Reddick in the 17th round of the 2006 MLB draft, and he made his major league debut in 2009. He also played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks. Reddick won an American League (AL) Gold Glove Award in 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Thole</span> American baseball player

Joshua Michael Thole is an American former professional baseball catcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Cooper (baseball)</span> American baseball player (born 1987)

David Fletcher Cooper is an American former professional baseball first baseman. He previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011 and 2012. He is 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jamie Romak</span> Canadian baseball player (born 1985)

James Robert Romak is a Canadian former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers, Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, and the KBO League for the SK Wyverns/SSG Landers. Romak has also competed for the Canadian national baseball team.

References

  1. ↑ "Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League" (PDF). capecodbaseball.org. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  2. ↑ "2003 Wareham Gatemen". thebaseballcube.com. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  3. ↑ "West All-Star Roster: All-Star Game 2003". capecodbaseball.org. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
  4. 1 2 "Baseball America - Dodgers Sign Andy LaRoche" . Retrieved November 2, 2016.
  5. ↑ Andy LaRoche Statistics – The Baseball Cube Archived July 10, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ↑ September 20, 2007 Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies Box Score and Play by Play Archived October 14, 2007, at the Wayback Machine Baseball-Reference.com
  7. ↑ "LaRoche to have surgery on thumb" . Retrieved November 2, 2016.
  8. ↑ Heyman, Jon (July 31, 2008). "Manny traded to Dodgers, Bay headed to Boston". CNN. Archived from the original on August 5, 2008. Retrieved July 31, 2008.
  9. ↑ "Andy LaRoche Stats, Fantasy & News" . Retrieved November 2, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Pirates Notebook: Starter, power bat eyed in free agency" . Retrieved November 2, 2016.
  11. ↑ "Bucs send elder LaRoche to Red Sox". Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
  12. ↑ "Red Sox Deal Adam LaRoche to Braves for Casey Kotchman". July 31, 2009. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
  13. ↑ Adams, Luke (June 5, 2011). "Athletics Designate Andy LaRoche For Assignment". MLBTradeRumors.com. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  14. ↑ Axisa, Mike (October 2011). "22 Triple-A Players Elect Free Agency". MLBTradeRumors.com. Retrieved October 1, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Indians ink INF Andy LaRoche to minors deal". NBC Sports. December 21, 2011. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012.
  16. ↑ "Andy LaRoche Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com . Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  17. ↑ "Blue Jays sign Andy LaRoche to minor-league deal". TSN.ca. January 30, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  18. ↑ Davidi, Shi (June 6, 2013). "Blue Jays expected to promote infielder LaRoche". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  19. ↑ "Blue Jays designate Blanco; recall Thole, LaRoche". TSN.ca. June 7, 2013. Retrieved June 7, 2013.
  20. ↑ "Soto, Penny get minors deals". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 22, 2015. Retrieved January 23, 2015.
  21. ↑ No. 26 – MLN FAB50 Baseball 2006 – Minor League News
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.